Halted game in Wahpeton coast Jets first place
Published on December 3, 2004 under North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Fargo-Moorhead Jets News Release
The Fargo-Moorhead Jets defeated the Minnesota Blizzard 6-2 on Friday, November 26, but still fell out of first place in the North American Hockey League West Division standings.
Despite their one win, the Jets (15-4-1, 31) dropped because the Helena Bighorns (15-5-3, 33) won two games this weekend, giving them a two-point edge for first place. Fargo-Moorhead has won five consecutive games, while Helena has won six straight.
The weekend also featured the first-ever suspended game in the Jets' history.
The Jets' game against the Blizzard on Saturday night at the Stearn Arena in Wahpeton, North Dakota, was suspended during the second period due to poor ice condition.
Play was halted by the officials with 13:33 remaining in the second period and the Jets leading 2-0. Team and league officials will decide how and when the game will be completed this week.
A patch of ice located to the side of the south goal was damaged to the point that the concrete floor was noticeable. Referees attempted to patch up the spot before Stearn Arena officials gave it their best shot. Using snow, water and fire extinguishers, officials tried desperately to make a temporary fix. After waiting close to 25 minutes, the referees deemed the facility unplayable and the game was suspended.
The suspension dampened an otherwise great night for the Jets' organization. A full house of over 500 fans packed Stearn Arena, for the Jets first-ever game in Southeast North Dakota.
"We were very happy with the turnout tonight, and the fans were very lively," said Jets' managing partner Todd Norman. His sentiments were echoed by the rest of the organization as well as Breckenridge-Wahpeton Youth Hockey staff who helped put the night together.
Fans were given free ticket vouchers for any remaining Jets' game this season.
Information on when this game will be played will be announced shortly along with ticket information. "Our hope is to play the game in Wahpeton" said general manager Randy Nielsen.
The Jets return to action this Thursday, Friday and Saturday in Fairbanks, Alaska. At 15-4-1, the Jets are currently in second place in the NAHL West Division. Fargo-Moorhead trails Helena by two points, but has three games in hand on the Bighorns.
North American Hockey League Stories from December 3, 2004
- Kearney's seven shutout periods earn share of Defensive Player of the Week - Soo Indians
- Bandits sweep holiday weekend with three wins - St. Louis Bandits
- Jr. Blues Cankar emerges as team leader - Springfield Jr. Blues
- Sellout crowds, more wins for Tornado - Texas Tornado
- Rollercoaster weekend for Wildcats - Wichita Falls Wildcats
- Bighorns sweep weekend, set record - Helena Bighorns
- Halted game in Wahpeton coast Jets first place - Fargo-Moorhead Jets
- Enmark's hat trick leads Toledo past Youngstown - Alpena IceDiggers
- Phantoms hang tough in North Division despite 1-1-1 week - Mahoning Valley Phantoms
- Wildcats add renowned educational psychologist to staff - Wichita Falls Wildcats
- Icedogs vs. Minnesota tonight, Billings tomorrow - Bozeman Icedogs
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